SSOD: Patient opinions and utilisation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Surgeon Specific Outcome Data: patient opinion and utilisation of a new health policy. A cross sectional survey and data extraction study.
IRAS ID
193844
Contact name
Marc Williams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Consultant surgeons in the UK have been required to submit the results of certain operations to the public domain since 2012. The introduction of SSOD has divided opinion. Proponents suggest that it benefits patients by allowing transparency and highlighting poorly performing surgeons. However, concerns exist that SSOD may cause risk-averse behaviour with suggestions that some surgeons choose not take on higher risk cases.
The majority of literature that looks at this issue mainly consists of editorials. Although the policy has been implemented since 2012, to date there has been no qualitative data assessing the opinions of patients towards the policy. By considering the opinions of patients who are about to undergo surgery we suggest that the policy may be refined to the benefit of patients and surgeons.
A sample of approximately 15-20 patients awaiting nephrectomy at North Bristol NHS Trust will be invited to interview to assess their knowledge and opinion of the new policy. We suggest that the patient will be asked to take part in the study when they discuss their operation with their respective surgeon. At this stage the patient will take an information leaflet about the study home with them so that they are allowed appropriate time to think about taking part. The patient will then be contacted by the Chief Investigator approximately 1 week later. Patients will be interviewed after their pre-operative assessment. The interview will is expected to last up to 30-40 minutes.
It is hoped that all patients will be interviewed over a 6 month period. Interviews will then be transcribed and analysed to identify key themes. By identifying key themes we aim to highlight strengths and weaknesses of the policy so that it may be improved.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0103
Date of REC Opinion
31 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion